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Step 1
Shop for shoes late in the day. Because of swelling, feet are usually a bit larger in the afternoon.
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Step 2
Look for a high and wide toe box (toe area). The toe box is crucial in finding a comfortable shoe. Choose a shoe that provides a half inch space from the tip of the longest toe to the tip of the shoe.
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Step 3
Stand up and walk around in the shoes. The heel of your foot should fit comfortably into the shoe without slipping.
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Step 4
Choose the shoe by how well it fits, not by the size. Sizes can vary among manufacturers.
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Step 5
Select lower heels. High heels transfer more pressure to the toe area, so stick with shoes that have heels no higher than one and a half inches.
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Step 6
Try a gel bunion pad inside your shoe. It can be quite effective at relieving shoe pressure while walking.
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Step 7
Ask your doctor about getting an orthotic, which is a padded shoe insert. A prescription orthotic may lessen the need for surgery. If you decide to have bunion surgery, it will be even more important to choose properly fitting shoes.
